OMG IT'S AN UPDATE!

First off I would like to start with an apology because I know. I know that you have all been waiting for an update for decades and for that I truly am sorry. At the end is where I'll waste your time because I know that right now you just want to get reading so I'll leave my warning and let you be.

WARNING!: DESCRIPTION OF TORTURE/ABUSE AND IMPLIED RAPE MENTIONED IN THIS CHAPTER! READ AT OWN DECISION! YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED!

Okay! Enjoy your update.


Talia's Pov

"NOBODY wants to do some stupid love play so drop it already" Emmet growled

"Yeah well your idea is stupid too" Valerie spat back

"Why can't we do one of my ideas" Michael whined

"BECAUSE!" Emmet snapped

I sighed and tuned their squabbling out much like I had been doing for the past 3 hours. I had thought that by now I would've been used to the outlandish dramatics children had a habit of getting into but apparently not.

Since the hall ordeal with Amy and her mini pack, our group had thrived immensely. Resting my head on my arms and dazedly staring off into space I reflected over the events so far. Amy declaring her packs submission had an interesting affect. When the other mini pack Alpha's had realised just how Amy had insulted Jared's authority well several quickly submitted as well. After that only a handful of mini packs remained out of Jared's leadership. It was clear that those who had not submitted had thought of other means to maintain control. Or perhaps maybe preferred to ally themselves with our group and still have control.

"What do you think Talia?" Jared asked snapping me out of my daze.

Looking to him still with a vacant daze I blinked a few times and tilted my head in confusion. The Alpha to be smiled brightly at me which I found strange. I didn't understand why the child was so clingy towards me, it was rather annoying. Always calling attention to me or prompting me for answers or opinions.

"Of what?" I asked lightly

"Tch… what use does the Omega serve if she doesn't even pay attention" Emmet huffed as he pushed the pile of books in front of him to the side. Only so he could rest his head on his folded arms on top of the table.

I liked Emmet more than I did when we were smaller at least. For some odd reason he was amusing to me…. Only less when he would pick on Michael but other times he was entertaining.

"Leave her alone BUTTFACE!" Michael growled with golden eyes flashing.

Ah…Adorable little Michael. He would always be my favourite. My very own personal knight in shining armour. Always ready to defend my honour.

"Don't push me Bloom! I'll beat you to the ground before you could even cry Mommy" Emmet growled back

I released a heavy sigh as the two children jumped into another round of snarling growls and taunting words.

"Not Again! Would you two just STOP!" Valerie cried slamming her pudgy hands on the table. All noises ceased but the glaring between the boys didn't lessen. Valerie glared at them as fiercely and angrily as a six year old could, which was actually pretty intimidating. Even I felt a little cowed by the intensity….. Only a little though.

"I will not BE embarrassed when it's our turn to show our show in front of Alpha Delco! I WON'T! And you will NOT embarrass Jared either!" Valerie growled her eyes shifting and glowing hotly.

"Now if Talia doesn't have any ideas then we'll keep looking!" the little she wolf sneered

After almost an entire year of nothing but hard training, and mind aching brain activities, this little trip of kiddie drama was a blessing to my brain. I slept every moment I could, Spaced out and daydreamed at every opportunity. This week would be my only break from training with Mother before she would no doubt be torturing my poor brain once more. I was only so very grateful to the other worldly powers that had my Father in charge of my physical training.

"Do you have any idea about what we can show for Grandpa?" Jared asked imploringly.

I absently took note of the intense observation Valerie was regarding me with and the reluctant interest from Emmet. As far as I could tell, the two young pups were unsure of what to make of me now that we have spent prolonged moments of time together as a mini pack required. Slowly I could see the change in their interaction with me. Valerie had stopped calling me Omega all the time on our second day here, Emmet started looking at me strangely on the third. For six year olds their mental awareness was rather advanced, a fact I likened to the strange military like influence the Delco pack was run with.

"I liked the idea of telling a story" I responded with a soft shrug. Much like always when I talked to the child, Jared beamed brightly at me. It somewhat frightened me…. This needy little Alpha to be.

"That's a great idea!" He chirped

"But that's so BORING! I bet she only said that because of Bloom!" Emmet whined

"No she didn't! Besides Talia is the BEST at telling stories! We'll definitely beat everyone!" Michael appraisingly supported. I smiled at the dorky idiot that had too much faith in me. He was doing so many wonders to my ego. I should probably stop him…

"As long as it's not one of Bloom's stupid books then I guess we can do it. But are we really just going to tell a story? What if we act it out too?" Valerie mused

"Why don't we do both? We can all play out the story together! We can make the story up ourselves!" Jared decided with a firm nod seeing everyone's agreement, and my passive shrug.

"I want to be the princess then or the Queen!" Valerie instantly declared

"You just want to marry Jared" Emmet scoffed causing Valerie to redden and bare her teeth at him.

"Then I'll be the dragon! Every Princess story has a dragon in it! That'll be me!" Michael cheered

"If anyone is going to be the dragon it's me. You're too much of a baby to be as awesome as a Dragon! You can be the ugly ogre though!" Emmet sneered meanly. Michael looked hurt, his insecurity showing on his face. Only worsening when Valerie giggled at Emmet's taunt. Jared glared at Emmet but did nothing else.

Protectively curling an arm around Michael's waist I hugged him tightly in reassurance. Uncaring for the company around us only focussing on Michael.

"It's okay to be the ugly ogre Mikey" I mumbled

"But-But nobody likes an ogre Lia! Their ugly monsters that scare the villagers" Michael grumbled

"Not this ogre….." I softly disagreed.

With his wide eyes trained on me filled with curious hope and bright interest I began a tale. Reciting a story about a cursed princess and a greedy man who wished to be king. Of the ogre forced from his home to bring the wannabe king his bride with only a talking donkey as his steed. A story in which even an ogre found love. Where an ogre fell in love and was loved.

I always thought Shrek was rather interesting in the messages it gave kids.

"SHE MARRIES THE OGRE!" Valerie screeched, effectively reminding me of the other three's presence.

Blinking I looked to them with confusion but my hold on Michael never loosened not once.

"Yes!?"

"WHY DIDN'T SHE MARRY THE PRINCE? An Ogre is ugly and smells, she wouldn't be living in a castle if she married the OGRE!" Valerie spluttered

"I thought Bloom said you tell good stories? That was a pretty stupid one. He doesn't even kill the dragon!" Emmet sneered

Jared was surprisingly silent but his eyes were staring at me intensely. Which was creepy weird and honestly uncomfortable. Michael squirmed in my hold so he could glare at Emmet but before he could say anything I spoke up; effectively cutting him off.

"What's wrong with loving an ogre? Why must the dragon always die?" I asked the two children. My tone not once raising from its childish lilt or lightened softness.

"Because they just can't! That's not how stories go! Nobody would ever love an ogre!" Valerie growled in frustration. However her eyes were telling, they were clouded with thoughtful uncertainty. Like she wasn't completely sure, like she was asking a question.

"You can't help who you love" or at least that's what they say. As Emily I never experienced such romantic notions in terms of love. The only love I had ever known was the familial love, my social awkwardness hadn't been a helpful factor and I never felt the urge for romance. I suppose you could say the closest romantic relationship I ever had as Emily had been with the various television and movies I watched to fill time.

"I don't care what you say! I loved it!" Michael exclaimed passionately

"Pfft whatever" Emmet huffed but said nothing else.

"Would you have loved the ogre if you were the Princess, Talia?" Jared asked causing all of the children to look at me intensely. It made me want to squirm and frown at their intense wide little stares. It unnerved me sometimes when they looked at me as if my answer might make the world stop.

Children were rather scary.

"I think I would" I answered thoughtfully.

"Excuse me child!? But you wouldn't have happened to be responsible for the story I just over heard? The one with the ogre?" A gentle voice questioned.

Immediately I tensed, having not sensed anyone's approach. Michael reacted simultaneously at the stiffness I exuberated, curling his fingers slightly. Already I began to berate myself, the phantom lectures and growling disappointment of my Mother's voice echoing in my mind.

I should have sensed him, Shouldn't have been distracted. I've been too relaxed, Mother would berate me if she had seen.

"Who are you Mr?" Michael cutely questioned just as his mother had taught him.

"Everybody underestimates a brat. Especially if they play stupid and curious. Use those gorgeous puppy eyes I gave you" Isabella Bloom proudly instructed.

Yet only I could see the way Michael's hands inched slowly out of sight and curled around a nearby book. No doubt, Michael was already readying to throw something in order to distract our opponent if he poses a threat. It was one of his strengths, his keen sight and aim and strong throws.

"You may call me Samson" The elderly man spoke with a soft quirk of his lips.

I examined him closely and as subtly as possible. He was a wolf that much I could sense. His scent carrying the smell of pinewood and oak with a minty tinge that almost seemed out of place. His hair was silver grey, wry with age but still thick with no signs of balding. His nose was rather pointed and sharp and his lips thin but the lines around his mouth betrayed that he smiled often. Much like the crow's feet by his eyes. He had frown lines on his forehead but it was his eyes….. His eyes that struck me as familial.

They were green…..a bright forest green that reminded me so much of my Father.

Seeing those eyes made me want to go home. Made me miss the fresh and comforting scent of peppermint and the warmth and comfort. The feeling of home and belonging within my Father's arms.

I wanted to go home.

The ache in my chest shocked me. It was something I hadn't been expecting to feel. The bitterness and sour weight to my mood, the downward tug of my lips and the stinging tingle to my eyes. I was homesick, I missed my parents. I missed my Father and his ridiculous bedtime stories. My goodnight and good morning kisses. The warmth of his tight embrace and his peppermint scent flooding my senses.

But that wasn't all…..

The hollow panic that fluttered about in my stomach and the slight tremble in my fingers. I knew this feeling like the back of my hand. I was afraid. Afraid that they would forget me, that they would be glad to no longer have me with them. As it was this was the first time in my life as Talia I'd been so far away from both my parents at the same time. The knowledge that they were so far away from my grasp, my sight, frightened me greatly. My mind dragged out the horrid memory of Copper Friday and my breath stuttered out in a sharp gasp.

The wolf pup within me pinned and whimpered at the frantic flurry of fear my mind procured. The stream of what if's and worry for my Father and Mother consumed me.

"Are you all right child?" Samson asked pulling me back to the present. His tone was careful and soft but it didn't fool me. I could hear the slight tinge of calculative speculation my Mother trained me to seek. The tiny uptick slur and lilted tone of his words. I had caught his interest; whoever he is.

It took cold effort to shake off the chilly fear and frantic worry of my mind but I managed. My Mother's sharp words of instruction on masking chemo scents and disconnecting with emotion kicking into gear. Soothing my inner wolf pup and calming my mind I regained control of myself.

Blinking up at the old man before me I frowned at the wetness on my face. Wiping away the evidence of my sudden break of role and show of weakness, I inhaled deeply, steeling myself like Mother had taught me.

'Emotions are a weakness but they can also be your greatest source of power and strength. They are essential, fragile and one of the most important things to learn to control.' Her brown eyes sharp and blazing with intensity. Her face a stiff cold mask that didn't even twitch an inch despite the glass pieces healing within her wound from the smashed glass. There was no sign of pain, not even a scent to trace.

'The second you show you feel…is the moment you have aided your enemy in your end' Then like a switch her brown eyes returned to their soft loving gaze, welling with affection as they gazed into my own.

'The Body can heal but the mind…. And the heart once broken is forever shattered. So shield them in all ways you can and share them with whomever selectively'

"Lia?" Michael murmured worriedly. His hand reached out and wiped the last of the wet drops on my face. Whining lowly in concern he hugged me close, nuzzling my cheek in comfort, draining the little ache that pulsed in my chest. The black veins on his hand hidden by my hair and cheek from the others.

"Hm…" I responded relaxing at the relief I felt, breathing lightly. I made a mental note to ask Mother to help me bake some cookies for Isabella. Ever so grateful that she had taken to training Michael in draining pain.

"What's wrong? Why are you crying?" Michael whispered gently much like he always did when he was worried or frightened for me. A low whine from the wolf pup inside me urged me to comfort our pack mate and brother. To reassure him that that I was fine. Closing my eyes and letting Michael guide me into a cuddling embrace, I scented him back. The comfort of pack soothing my wolf. Brushing my hand lightly across the skin of his neck, I sighed.

"I miss home" I muttered softly. Michael's only response was to tighten his hold around me which made me smile.


As Michael and Talia embraced, comforting one another and forgetting the rest of their company, the other's watched silently. Judging them and forming their own opinions on the two strange usually out casted pups.

Valerie watched in surprised fascination at the way Michael had gently and softly tended to Talia. The young female pup felt a bitter twinge of jealously at how much care and concern Michael had treated Talia with. Valerie had seen the strange blankness Michael's face had morphed into when Talia gasped. He hadn't looked like that annoying cry baby who Emmet always picked on. He had looked older, somewhat stronger but most of all… protective. Valerie had never spared much thought to Michael, having thought him to be just another stupid boy she was forced to share space with. Watching how he cared for Talia made her uncomfortable because she felt irritated….. like she had bitten into a lemon. Glaring at Talia and Michael….. Valerie refused to acknowledge the yearning jealously she harboured.

Beside her Emmet silently studied Bloom. Emmet wasn't stupid…. Well not always anyway. He wasn't like Valerie who was always trying to be the best and cared about what people thought. He also wasn't like Jared, always having to be proper and responsible. Emmet was simple. He had been friends with Jared long enough to not let what the other kids say or do affect him. He watched out for Jared and protected both Jared and Valerie from anyone who dared. He didn't like Bloom and never bothered hiding it. Yet in this moment Bloom had earned a little of his respect.

Unlike his friends, Jared wasn't watching Michael. The little Alpha to be couldn't tear his eyes away from the way Talia nuzzled her face into Michael's neck. Burning heat bubbled within his belly and his fingers clenched. The urge to shift strong as his wolf growled at the sight before him. Unknowing to him, his eyes had flashed. Displeasure filled him at watching MICHAEL comfort Talia instead of him. His annoyance only deepened when he saw the smile on Talia's face….. Once again directed only at Michael.

Samson Hale was unsure as to what it was he was feeling. His emotions, his wolf, his mind all of it was a scrambled mess as it struggled to define what he was feeling. But then he saw her smile, it was small and not directed in any way towards him, but she smiled. It only took her smile to clear him of his confused emotion. Almost as if the gods themselves had poured ambrosia down his throat, unspeakable warmth and love filled him. Because he had done it, he had found her. He had found his granddaughter and she was beautiful. Unwilling to let his eyes stray, he did his best to burn the image of her smile into his brain. He needed to forever remember this moment because…. She smiled just like his Thomas. She looked just like his first born son that he had been robbed off. A wet shine in his eyes took him away and Samson lost himself to a memory.

The high pitched wailing of his new born son pierced the air, and Samson shakily entered the room. As he approached the bed his green eyes refused to leave the bundled package that his wife cuddled. He could smell her exhaustion, but that did little to hide her happiness.

'Would you like to meet your son?' His wife cooed and Samson could only nod. As she shifted so the bundled being in her arms could be shown. The baby in her hold squirmed and scrunched his nose but did not cry out like earlier.

'His name is Thomas'

Shakily and as lightly as he could, Samson caressed his son gently, ghosting over his skin with his finger. However when tiny little fingers wrapped their weak grip on his finger, Samson felt the air in his lungs leave. Watching with wide eyes, the slow lifting smile that painted his son's lips shook him to the core. Because… Because….

'He's beautiful'

As he turned back to the present, His back straightened with purpose. His fingers curled in determination and his forest green eyes blazed with bright resolve. The aura he excluded shifted slightly from the gentle elderly old man presence to that of authority underlined with immaculate power. Had someone been caught in his gaze, they would have witnessed the life that suddenly filled Samson's green gaze and they would have shivered in both fear and awe. Quickly eyeing the children he had come across, Samson's mind began to cement a plan of action before he relaxed back into his elderly role.


(A/N: HEED MY WARNING!)

Back with the Delco pack, Benjamin Delco shivered unexpectedly at the foreboding chill that ran down his back. His eyes shifting into their Alpha red state in alert paranoia. His shifted ears twitched at the mad phantom cackling laughter that sounded like it was taunting him. His eyes darted round quickly searching for an enemy yet finding no one. The words of that blind eyed witch haunting his mind once more before he pushed it away. Alpha Delco refused to feel threatened simply because of a crazed mad witches words. He was the Alpha.

A sadistic malicious glinting snarl settled on his lips as he approached the arena. Shedding the shirt on his back and approaching the bloodied body that glared up at him from the ground, Alpha Delco stomped his foot on the man's stomach, relishing in the gargled yelp of pain it influenced. Rolling his neck and increasing the pressure on the bloodied stomach beneath him he held little pity or sympathy for the man.

Looking at the agonized pain on the man's face, Benjamin Delco let out a loud and mocking laugh.

"Pathetic. Is this all the legendary Hale bloodline has to show!" He sneered before spitting in the face of the green eyed scum beneath him.

Despite the pain he was undergoing and the weakening of his wolf, Thomas continued to glare up at the Alpha above him. His green eyes unrelenting with its piercing green glare of hatred.

Lifting his leg and dragging the green eyed wolf up harshly, Alpha Delco pressed his claws into the flesh of Thomas's lower back, embracing his tortured scream of blinding pain. Dropping the green eyed wolf to the ground carelessly, Benjamin Delco mockingly simpered into the wolf's ear.

"You will always be filth Thomas. There is no escaping me."

Forcefully gripping Thomas by the chin and ensuring they were eye to eye, Benjamin Delco growled his parting words with an arrogant grin.

"I AM your ALPHA!"

With one last kick, Alpha Delco turned and left Thomas near death in the middle of the arena. The Alpha filled with dark arrogance and steeled confidence at his power.


Joshua Quinn had almost been too late in finding Emissary Marcus. He had been on patrol when he came across an unsigned note urging him to go to the arena. Immediately he had swapped his shift with one of the other's and rushed. The unsigned notes were the only evidence Joshua had, proving that not everyone in the Delco pack was against Thomas. However it also showed the amount of fear they all harboured.

This was the worst by far. Hauling the unconscious green eyed wolf to the hidden hut he had built a few years back, Joshua had wasted no time in calling for the Emissary. There was no way he could take Thomas home, because he knew that Mallory would break and she would only end up killing herself.

"He is not healing!" Marcus spoke before quickly searching his bag for the vial of phoenix tears he had his mother send. He only ever used the tears when dealing with near death situations and even then the Emissary kept it closely guarded. Phoenix tears were expensive costing him half a year's salary. It took 6 drops before any sign of healing could be noted. Leaning back in relief, Marcus felt his fear diminish.

"We can only wait" Marcus spoke somberly.

"He cannot continue like this! We must act now or else he will-"Joshua hurriedly snapped.

"We have no other CHOICE!" Marcus snapped feeling just as frantic as the first beta. The Emissary's usual serene and indifferent façade shattered by the frantic glare and anxious nerves.

"HE is going to DIE! He cannot take another confrontation." Joshua whispered in anguish.

Marcus could only hold his head in his palms in silent agreement. The Emissary knew that one more 'training' session with Alpha Delco would be the end of Thomas Hale. Should Thomas die, the Emissary knew that it would only be a mere seconds later in which Mallory would follow. The bind on Mallory and Thomas, although different still meant the same. When he had informed the two of the binding used on them, he had hated himself.

Mallory and Thomas could never leave this land. They were bound in all ways possible. Even their life's energy was bound to this territory and should they ever try to leave, the ritual would end them. It would take their life in the most slow and agonized way possible. If that had not even been bad enough, the bindings on them catered solely to their characteristics.

The ritual was an ancient contract Egyptian slaves would share with their masters. The witches of that era had created it for security in knowing their slaves would never be able to defy or overpower them. Should the slave ever hold any ideals or think of harming their masters, the spell would activate and torture them in 1000 and 1 ways and would not relent unless the slave was punished. Marcus had searched, he had sought and called everyone he thought could help yet nothing could free Mallory from such a ritual.

For Thomas, the binding was different. The witches had created this particular binding with the intentions of having warriors for their use. The slave's health, healing, everything pertaining their well being and their actions would be controlled by their master. A soldier controlled and bound to their master so long as they live. A soldier enslaved and unable to turn on their master.

When Joshua had shared with Marcus all he had been told about what Alpha Delco had done, of the ritual and bind spell, disgust and horror had flooded him. Marcus had cried, for the suffering of Thomas for the tragedy that Mallory and he had been subjected to. All because of a greedy man's bitter selfish anger and wounded pride.

Joshua stared at Thomas's unconscious form, grieving for the good man. Watching as slowly the gaping open wounds stitched back together. Since the war with the Kaida witches, Alpha Delco had only increased his cruelty towards Thomas. The cruel Alpha getting more vicious with his 'training' yet never letting Thomas heal any faster. Joshua stared at Thomas's prone form and remembered when they had first been introduced. He remembered Mallory's wary but bright and hopeful sincerity, Thomas's strength and easy going smile. Both men snapped to attention when Thomas let out a dazed moan of pain, whimpering out strangle of words they barely caught in time.

"I-….I-…."

"Thomas? Can you hear me?" Joshua whispered carefully but the green eyed wolf continued to mutter.

"I- have to….. I h-have too.."

"Thomas?" Marcus tried.

"I can't leave them…. I can't leave her….. I p-promised Talia" Thomas whispered wincing from the pain. And it was only then that Thomas cried and let tears fall from his closed lids. Unable to hold back his tears any longer. As Thomas rested and continued to heal, Marcus and Joshua let him be.

"You have a plan…" Marcus commented having caught sight of the pensive look on Joshua's face.

"The children will be back in 3 days. You must ensure they are safe from him"

"What of Isabella?"

"Delco believes her to be tempered now because of her injury. She will be fine" Joshua dismissed before moving to leave in case his disappearance stirs questions. Before he moved to leave, Marcus warned him softly.

"The question is…. Will you be fine?" The two men knowing the only solution they have. Joshua said nothing as he closed the door behind him because truth be told….. Not even he was sure if he could do what was needed to be done.


In isolation within a cell, Isabella Bloom scratched at the walls. Doodling with her sharp claws and humming somewhat insanely in her containment. Her wounded leg still missing its flesh stretched out before her. Her throat parched and dry as the desert and her stomach cramped from hunger pains.

The she wolf was un-bothered with her punishment. She was no stranger to this type of treatment, in fact she had been expecting it ever since the pups of the pack had departed to 'camp'. It was no secret that her compliance relied heavily on the treatment of her son. With Michael safe and far away from this hell, Isabella had immediately let her wolf surface. Five days of starvation and 'lessons' in submission would not break her.

Isabella let out a hacking laugh knowing that the guards told to watch her feared her. It only amused the she wolf who could not be tamed. She was one of 'ALPHA' Delco's failures and each day she lived on and rebelled against him was another victory for her.

Her ears twitched at the oncoming sound of thudded footsteps, and with a sharp fanged grin she waited. The jingle of keys caught her attention before her cell space was invaded with her so called 'Alpha' and 2 of his guards. When her cell door slammed shut, with a clang, she peered through her hair at the men before her.

The men said nothing, instead only watching Isabella with piercing eyes, the she wolf however continued to hum with an insane grin stitched to her lips and scratch at the walls. She made no move to acknowledge their presence, ignoring them.

"Isabella Bloom" 'Alpha Delco spat. His hands still stained with Thomas's blood along with red splatters on his chest. It was a testament to how common the state of him was, that no one really bat an eyelash. Moving swiftly he fisted her wild blonde mane in his hands and pulled harshly. Wrenching her hair so she had no choice but to look up at him.

"The pack WHORE!" He sneered with dark disgust.

Staring up at him, meeting his dark gaze, Isabella giggled before losing herself to snickering laughter. Sobering up from her laughter she smiled wildly at the 'Alpha'. Her Honey brown orbs shinning with mockery.

"You sound angry! Tell me who took a shit in your cereal this morning. I'll be sure to thank them" She crooned. 'Alpha' Delco dragged her by the hair, threw her head first into the stone cell walls. Dazed from the wound she received, Isabella felt the blood dripping from her head trickle absently. Just as her mind was clearing, 'Alpha' Delco snatched the sharp dagger from the belt of the wolf beside him. Stabbing it straight through, the dissolving wound in Isabella's thigh. Her high pitched scream of pain bounced off the walls causing the 2 wolf guards to wince and turn away. The stench horridly filling their nose from the blood and rotten flesh.

"Tsk Tsk, you never learn do you Isabella" The 'Alpha' crooned.

"You defy me, rebel me and yet still you blame me for your punishments. I only ever asked for your loyalty Isabella. It is you that brings such torture on yourself."

Isabella clenched her teeth tightly through the agony, paling rapidly as her vision blurred. Panting she met the 'Alpha's' gaze with a hateful glare.

"Mmf *pant* I will n-never *pant* fucking submit to a shitfaced BASTARD like you!" She spat causing 'Alpha' Delco to laugh.

"You see Isabella. This is why I want you. Such fire, such fierce defiance. Haven't you tired of this game? Give up and submit to me Isabella and I promise you this will end. Be loyal to me and let this game end"

Silence reigned and Isabella's panting breaths were all that could be heard in the room. After a short moment, the she wolf swallowed before speaking up tiredly.

"You're a real fucktard you know that!"

The patient mask 'Alpha' Delco wore cracked revealing the piercing crimson red eyed glare of dark greed. Un-deterred by the red eyes on her person Isabella continued to speak.

"You want my loyalty? I watched you kill my parents. Forced me into becoming a wolf at the young age of seven years." Isabella giggled hysterically somewhat insanely and the 3 men watched her intensely.

"And YOU fucking expect me to be LOYAL to you."

'Alpha' Delco gripped the dagger in her thigh and twisted it, relishing in her screams once more. His red gaze baring down on her heavily.

"I OWN you Isabella Bloom. Or have you forgotten about the precious little boy whose conception was organised by my hand?" He cruelly taunted.

Isabella's eyes flashed a cold icy beta blue and her fangs lengthened threateningly. Meeting the 'Alpha's' gaze unflinchingly, the she wolf covered his hand on the dagger and twisted it. Blood poured from the wound, gushing and staining the ground beneath her quickly, not once did she turn from the red eyes before her. Not blinking or screaming at all.

"NEVER forget THIS 'Alpha' Delco…. There is NOTHING you could do to me. You will NEVER fucking BREAK me!"

Glaring at the she wolf angrily, 'Alpha' Delco wrenched his hand free. Keeping her gaze on the 'Alpha' Isabella yanked the dagger from her leg roughly. Lifting herself shakily but determinedly from the floor, lifting her head and standing she stood tall.

"You and I both know that it's you who needs me not the other way around"

Furious with the she wolf, the 'Alpha' back handed her into the wall and ordered the guards to hang her by her ankles with 10 lashes to her back, increasing it to 40 when the she wolf continued to smirk at him. Even as her punishment commenced and the blood loss almost became too much, not once did Isabella's smirk falter. Because she knew… she knew that her son would remain safe. Knew that her performance had reminded the 'Alpha' that harming her precious baby boy would only seal his loss. Because without Michael…. Isabella Bloom had no need to stay in this realm anymore. Without Michael, the she wolf would have already slaughtered every single werewolf in this pack…. Or she would have died trying.


In another room not too far from Isabella's, Mallory smiled. Her eyes blazing and her face set in a blissful smile because she had heard Isabella's declaration. Had been able to hear the entire encounter between 'Alpha' Delco and her friend. So she smiled when the door opened to reveal her once upon a time godfather. The angry red glare of his eyes did little to scare her.

"Is someone having a bad day?" She mockingly sympathized. Throwing her head back and roaring at the electric shots that rattled throughout her restrained form, Mallory endured it. It felt like hours had passed as she was electrocuted and restrained before it all came to an end. Panting and looking up at the 'Alpha' before her she dribbled spit as her lips readied her next taunt.

"You…a-are nnh…..nah not m-my ALPHA"

This time round it felt as if centuries passed.

(A/N: SAFE ZONE :D)


Talia's Pov

Broodingly I stared at the shelf before me. My hand hovered uncertainly, inches away from the book cover. This was the last book in the library. The only one I had yet to read through. With only 2 more days to go before we all returned home, I tried to justify a reason not to look through it. However no matter how hard I tried I couldn't come up with a good one. Indecision prickled in my stomach. Whatever I found in this book would affect me greatly and I was afraid of how. Flashing back to the events of the day before yesterday I remembered the conversation that led me to this point.

Despite the initial distrust and wary regard Michael and I both grew fond of the old man named Samson. After my little freak out he had comforted and apologised, thinking he had spooked me. He had then went on to praising me with my creativity and explained that he had found the idea of an ogre love story enthralling. When he had asked if I had thought of it my own, I shook my head in denial. I did not want to take credit for an idea that was not mine. Instead I had said I had heard it from somewhere else.

I couldn't help but feel drawn to the way he would talk to us. There was something about the way he talked and laughed that made me feel less homesick. As such our mini pack spent quite a lot of time with the old man. Just before we were to leave, Samson had offered me one last apology. Feeling uncomfortable at his apologies I awkwardly explained that I was just missing my parents.

"Oh! Is that so?" He muttered, his green eyes softening but there was a tinge of something other I couldn't identify. However the sight of it made me sad.

"I've never been away from my Daddy and Mommy before. You made me think of my Daddy" I admitted softly, hiding behind my hair slightly and staring at the ground awkwardly.

" I do…" He whispered softly

"You have green eyes….like my Daddy" I explained feeling my wolf pup whine and whimper for our father once again. I felt the stirrings of my slight panic attack from early but stifled it as best as I could. Unwilling to worry Michael away from his happy reading and disrupt the chattering of Emmet, Valerie and Jared.

"I understand… It's okay to be homesick and miss your parents" Samson reassured. I only nodded but said nothing else.

"I'm sure your parents miss you just as much" He continued but I couldn't help the small whine I let out in a panic. The wolf pup in me taking over for just a second.

"What if they don't? What if they like that I'm not around? What if they forget about me?" I whispered, caving and voicing my fears. Memories from my life as Emily overcoming me. The loneliness and cold dinners without company. The apologetic texts and notes. The empty feeling that constantly ached. The silence in response to my soft whispers of 'I'm Home' after school. The late night comforts of only the television and laptop that became my closest friends.

A comforting hand on my shoulder, and a guiding finger under my chin brought me out of my dark thoughts. Looking up into the older comforting green orbs that reminded so much of my father, I wondered at the comfort.

"Hush child. Put your worries to rest. I'm sure your parents are counting the days that past until you return"

My disbelieving snort escaping before I could reign it in. Tutting at me with a smile, Samson spoke on.

"Every parent, no matter what realm, universe and under any circumstance will always wish their child safe. Parents will never forget any child of theirs regardless"

It was the way he had spoken that truly impacted on me. Perhaps it was the stern and relentless confidence he had in his words. Or maybe the sheen of shinning glisten his eyes held that convinced me that his words were truth. Yet whatever it was convinced me that he was right. Reminded me that in this life things were different.

Samson's words had really struck me. So much that later that night I had dreamed of Vincent and Miranda. When I had woken I couldn't have helped but wonder on their well-being. It had been lunch when the reminder that I had died had sunken in. That Emily had died and as such Miranda and Vincent had LOST and BURIED a daughter. Guilt then festered as I realized that I had been somewhat selfish. Since awakening as Talia, not once had I wondered on what Vincent and Miranda had lost and instead only focussed on adjusting to what had happened to me. As such shame filled me for having disregarded them.

They had loved me. Life as Emily West had been lonely and somewhat empty but she was loved by her parents. They did their best and had wanted nothing but to be able to provide as many opportunities for me as possible.

It was that which had led me to my indecisiveness now. I knew that the chances of me gaining my life as Emily back was minimal, practically non-existent (I had died after all there was no mistaking that). Yet I owed it to Vincent and Miranda to at least try. Book after Book I had read all things in relation to death, rebirth and reincarnation that was available. This would be the last book and I was terrified.

What if there was a way? Would I really be able to give this all up? Return to Emily's life of loneliness and silence. To say good bye to Thomas and Mallory who constantly showered me with affection and love? Could I really give up my life as Talia?

Pulling the book from its place on the shelf, I caressed its leather cover softly.


Jared wandered through the book shelves, sniffing in attempt to catch the scent of strawberry over the musky smell of old books, dust and mold. After the 3rd argument had broken out between Michael and Emmet, the little Alpha to be noticed that lacking presence of Talia. Briefly commanding Valerie to keep an eye out on the two boys, Jared had left to seek out the girl.

They had all agreed to let Talia come up with the story and be the one to tell it. As such that meant that none of them had any say in how the story went or what characters they were to play. Only Valerie had thrown a bit of fit at that but otherwise it was decided. As such Jared and the others didn't really think it was too strange that Talia would disappear randomly having always found her lost in some book or another.

With Talia distracted with reading, Jared and the rest of their pack instead found other things to do at library. For Michael it was reading out loud and badgering old man Samson to correct him if he got anything wrong. For Emmet it was bored complaining and occasional taunts in Michael's direction. Valerie had opted to roaming and speaking with other mini packs and kids. After which she would then approach Jared and update him on all she had overheard and learned ensuring their pack was well informed. Remembering his grandfather's lessons and his father's guiding advice, Jared saw the potential Valerie had in being his first beta. Jared already knew that his first beta would be either Valerie or Emmet whichever one he didn't chose would be his left hand or enforcer. He had long known that since he was a 4 year old.

The sharp sweet smell of strawberry tickled his nose and he immediately followed the trail. However the closer he got the more he smelt the salty tinge on top of the scent. Worried he moved faster.

"Talia!" He called. Happy to have found her, yet concerned because she smelt of tears. Moving to her protectively, he growled lowly and searched for whoever it was that dared hurt her and cause her to cry.

"What happened? Are you okay? Who made you cry?" He listed, readying himself for a fight.

Talia only sniffled in response which only spurred the little Alpha to be on more. He growled and was one step away from demanding EVERY child/mini pack/ person linked to the Delco pack be gathered so he could find whoever was responsible. NOBODY made one of HIS sad or upset.

"I'm okay Jared" Talia softly calmed as she shut the book in her hold and placed it back on the shelf.

"No you're not! You're crying" Jared growled his fists shaking in anger and his eyes flashing.

"It's not a big deal Jared" Talia hushed as she wiped at her face. Jared opened his mouth to say something in denial but stopped and stared at Talia stupidly.

She was smiling. Another one of those smiles that only Michael ever got but this time it was for him. Her eyes were bright and her face so filled with warmth, that Jared almost stuttered out his next words to go along with the blush on his face.

"B-but you're sad!" The little Alpha to be spoke.

Talia laughed and Jared's blush deepened from a pink hue to a dark red. She was laughing at something he had said, he had made her laugh and all he could do was marvel at her.

"It's okay…" She softly smiled and Jared couldn't help the little shy smile he gave in return.

"I'm going to be fine" She reaffirmed strongly. So different from the usual bland and bored tone she usually had in her voice when speaking to him. Jared couldn't help but want to hug her, to reach out and hold her hand like he had seen Michael do. However he dared not push whatever luck he gained today.

"But…. Why were you sad then?" He asked carefully in case she cried again. (His arms twitched slightly just in case she did)

"I read a book…"

"And that made you so sad you cried?"

"Mmhm…."

"What happened?"

"A Mommy and a Daddy lost their daughter…. She can never go home"

Jared visibly saw Talia's smile turn sad and quickly tried to stop it.

"That is sad… Are they going to be okay?" He asked softly and Talia's smile turned hopeful. Not as bright yet also not as sad but Jared still liked it better than her sad smile.

"I hope so…. I really hope so"

After a few seconds of silence, Jared couldn't help but continue to stare at Talia. Really REALLY stare at her. The longer he stared at her the more his wolf purred and his tummy felt weird. The little Alpha to be wanted to be closer to the girl before him and he struggled to find a reason why. It was when her brown eyes met his and the weird feeling in his tummy got worse that he remembered what his Daddy and Grandfather had said.

"You will know a strong mate when your wolf does. They will be strong as no Alpha should ever have a weak mate" his grandfather had spoken. Jared had nodded in agreement.

"I knew your mother was the one for me, the day I realised I never wanted to see her stop smiling."

Jared blinked because that was what he wanted. He never wanted to see Talia stop smiling. He wanted her to smile all the time and never cry. He wanted her to smile at him every day. His wolf purred once again and Jared felt that this was right. A voice that sounded like his grandfather whispered in his mind saying 'She's cute'

"Jared?"

"Hmm what?" Jared stuttered somewhat in shock.

"Don't tell Mikey about me crying alright" She pleaded softly

"Why?" Jared asked. The mention of Michael making him grumpy suddenly. Talia picked at the sleeve of her dress distractedly before she answered.

"I don't want to worry him. So can we keep it a secret? Just between the two of us?" She asked

'Between the two of us' was all that Jared could hear and it made him feel special. Smiling back at her brightly, he grinned toothily.

"Okay!"

As the two children made their way back to the rest of their mini pack, Jared couldn't help but smile happily. In comparison to his chirpy skip, Talia walked sedately oblivious to the joyful child beside her. Closing her eyes briefly, the supposed omega pup sent up a prayer. Asking for whatever deity or god that was listening to bless Vincent and Miranda West with good luck and safe fortune. Opening her eyes, Talia then mentally muttered a sincere 'sorry' to the 17 year old blonde haired teen with stormy grey eyes.

"I'm sorry" the brown eyed dark haired 6 year old muttered. The teen gave a small smirk of understanding before gathering the child into her arms and hugging her tightly.

"It's okay…I had a good run" the teen reassured before she kissed the child gently on the forehead. Releasing the child she turned to walk away.

"Don't go…..I don't want you to go….." the child whispered causing the teen to pause.

"Of course not." Then before the child's eyes, the blonde haired, stormy grey eyed teen shrunk into a shorter identical replica of the child.

"I'll always be a part of you"

"TALIA!" Michael called out happily as he ran to hug the little girl. Talia smiled into the hold of the eager pup, listening contently to the little boy's tirade of chatter.

Behind her Jared watched the scene slightly sullen but not as much as usual. The knowledge that he shared something with Talia that only they knew off appealing to him for some reason.

"Where's Samson gone?" Talia asked confused.

"He had some phone call or something to go make. So he headed out earlier than usual" Valerie informed readily towards Jared's questioning look.

"3 of the other mini packs caused up a mess so Teacher Jones is looking into their punishment" she added making Jared nod in understanding.

"It's a good time to offer an alliance don't you think" Emmet mused with a shrug.

"They'd want to know what we have to offer" Jared cautioned like his Father had taught him.

"Tater tots" Michael chirped having been listening.

"What?" Valerie, Emmet and Jared questioned in confusion.

"We offer them Tater tots. I overheard Teacher Jones talking to the lunch ladies last night. We can offer them Tater tots"

"We don't have enough to make that offer. I'm not giving up my share just for a stupid alliance" Emmet growled with Valerie's agreement. However Michael just shrugged.

"You don't have to. Edward's mini pack is the only pack that would kick up a fuss about us offering an alliance. The other two were already planning to offer up an alliance with us. We'll just be asking first. Besides only Edward's pack will be going without Tater tots. The other two got time out and early bed time." Michael informed with a shrug.

"How the hell do you know about that?" Valerie demanded somewhat angrily. Michael scrunched his nose up at her and replied with another shrug.

"I was listening out for Lia"

Jared eyed Michael with surprise whilst Valerie growled angrily and vowed to do better. The little wolf strongly angry at being out done by Michael. Emmet on the other hand once again was going over everything he knew about Michael Bloom. It hadn't escaped Emmet, the look of protection that flashed through the boy's eyes. Emmet also noticed that Michael had said he had been listening 'for Lia' which stuck the little boy as important but Emmet couldn't figure out why.

Making their way back to where the other mini packs had gathered, Talia and Michael hung back.

"You've been practising" Talia softly smirked causing Michael to sheepishly laugh.

"Mommy's been teaching me how to be a good spy"

"I hope she also hasn't been teaching you how to be a thief" Talia teased motioning to the wallet the little boy couldn't possibly own. Michael looked confused for a second before clicking. Pulling the wallet from his hoodie pocket he showed it to Talia.

"Actually this is Samson's! He left it behind by accident. Since we're coming back tomorrow I thought I could give it back then" Michael explained whilst waving the wallet about. Almost knocking into a shelf, the boy dropped the wallet to the ground. Talia cuffed him on the head lightly calling him a dork fondly before bending to pick up the wallet. Curiously she picked up the white folded thing that fell out up as well. Intending to put it back where it belonged, she paused having spotted the neat cursive writing. However it was the words that caught her attention.

"What's that?" Michael questioned before taking the object of attention from Talia's hands. The girl didn't once let her eyes leave the object. Unfolding the thing Michael distractedly examined the object.

"Hey! It's a picture! This must be his family" Michael mused as he looked at the picture. Talia however was stone still as she read the writing on the back of the picture. She knew that the writing on the back was actually a list of names for those captured in the picture but- A fluttering thought crossed Talia's mind fleetingly and she paled.

"Mikey…May I see that please?" She politely whispered.

Worried but willing, Michael watched Talia study the picture. At her gasp, his eyes darkened worriedly and protectively.

"Talia?" He cautioned carefully.

Talia just stared at the picture in disbelief. In the photograph was a family- a family of 6. In the back were the parents. One she recognised clearly as a younger Samson with a laughing smile and identical joy filled eyes as the woman beside him. They were watching the 4 children featured in the picture with them- clearly their children. The twin boys evidently the youngest of the lot clung to a leg each of the one in the middle. They were smiling toothily with light green eyes shining bright with ravenous black hair like Samson, their eyes a lighter shade. The only girl in the picture held out a hand with the peace sign from the back of the one in the middle, her eyes an icy blue like the woman beside Samson. However whereas the woman had Brown hair, the girl had ravenous black.

However it was the figure in the middle that smiled happily back at her that had her gasp. Ravenous Black hair much like the rest of the children, a bright joyful smile. Yet his eyes…. His eyes were the greenest shade of forest green she knew well. Because it was her father in this picture. Turning the picture over shakily, Talia read the names along with Michael.

Beacon Hills, Hale Family

Thomas is home from Boarding School.

James Hale (9yrs), Arthur Hale (9yrs), Cordelia Hale (11yrs), Thomas Hale (14yrs), Elizabeth Hale (38yrs), Samson Hale (44yrs)

Incredulously the two children stared at the picture in shock. Neither one really sure what to make off just what they were looking at. That is until Michael summed it all up pretty accurately, and thanks to his Mother's influence he was rather precise in his description.

"Holy SHIT!"


Alright there you have it!

Let me just say that despite how long it has been I really have no plans of ABANDONING this story. Although it pains me to admit it but I struggled alot with getting this chapter out. There came a point where I truly did believe that this story had met it's end and I was honestly so devastated. HOWEVER it was thanks to you readers who took the time to review and remind me that you were waiting for me to update that I persisted on. There was quite alot of cutting and cursing whilst trying to type up this chapter and I had to keep revisiting my plot plans. However I am proud to say that I have found my way back on the writing train for this story.

I would love to promise you that this story will be updated quicker now but that would be an empty promise because I don't know. I honestly don't know. The pace I started this Story on was slow and if I rush the chapter's/ plot I'd kill everything about it. Hence forth I beg you all to bare with me.

I'm trying! I really am and I will listen if you should cry out to me in agony because the wait for an update is killing you.

ANYWAY! Enough with my mushy stuff.

What I'd like to hear from you all is your thoughts. ALL AND EVERY THOUGHT YOU HAVE ABOUT THIS CHAPTER.

What do you think of Samson?

How did you feel about Isabella, Thomas and Mallory's sufferings?

Isn't Michael and Jared adorable with their feelings?

What are you thoughts on Talia and her closure?

TELL ME TELL ME TELL ME!

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